For Women’s History Month, we are introducing you to the amazing women on the Io LandArch design team. Meet Natalie, residential studio lead and landscape designer.
Natalie is passionate about designing human spaces that are both functional and beautiful. With a strong background in the field, she has worked on a variety of projects, from residential landscapes to parks and public spaces. She values both the artistic and analytical sides of landscape architecture, carefully balancing creativity with practical problem-solving. In residential design, she believes in creating outdoor spaces that feel like a natural extension of the home—intentional landscapes that enhance daily life rather than becoming a high-maintenance chore.
Natalie on a site visit.
Why did you study landscape architecture?
I discovered landscape architecture as a freshman in college when one of my orientation leaders mentioned studying it. Intrigued, I dove into hours of research and countless YouTube videos, quickly realizing it was the perfect blend of my natural strengths and interests. I contacted my counselor to change my major. What captivated me most was the field’s incredible range, from designing intimate residential landscapes to tackling the complexity of regional planning at the state level. Being able to combine artistic creativity with analytical problem-solving made me confident that this was the right path for me.
How did you end up at Io LandArch? What about Io LandArch resonates particularly with you?
I started at Io LandArch during my final semester at Utah State University. Once I graduated, I began working full time with the firm. I appreciate the approach Io LandArch has to work-life balance along with the overall style of Landscape Architecture it executes.
Tell me about the projects you’re most proud of and why. What was your role?
The projects I am most proud of are the ones I worked on from beginning to end as the project designer and manager. I love seeing an original concept I created end up being built in real life.
Across your professional work, what do you enjoy the most?
I enjoy working with clients and developing a design to suit their specific needs. I enjoy making an underutilized space come to life and serve as a place to connect to nature.
For you, what is the most rewarding part of being a landscape architect?
I love being able to see a change in the world around me, project by project. Seeing a landscape grow and change throughout the years makes me feel like I made a little bit of a difference.
Natalie finds inspiration from many different sources, on a site by site basis.
Where do you find inspiration?
This is on a site by site basis. Sometimes it is actually the constraints of a site that inspire me to create a unique design solution, other times it is the surrounding nature of the site, or a specific feeling we are trying to embody in the landscape.
If you could give one piece of advice to women considering pursuing a career in landscape architecture, what would it be?
Expand your education, whether that be through getting a minor in college, becoming a licensed LA, or any other additional certifications.
What is a creative project (inside or outside of work) that you are currently excited about?
The landscape design of my own home! I have been slowly installing my landscape over the past three years. This year is the first year I will be able to plant my own vegetable garden!
Natalie also has an amazing eye for floral design!
